Effect
of chemical treatments using sodium chlorite, sodium hydroxide and acrylamide
monomer on thermal behavior of coconut husk (coir) fibre has been studied by
means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analyses (TG,
DTG, DTA). A significant variation in fibre surface occurred by chemical
treatments is clearly observed in SEM images. The TG and DTA curves show
two-stages of decomposition for all the fibres; first below 100°C indicating
the moisture loss and the second between 320°C and 360°C due to major
degradation of fibre. Chemical treatment increases the thermal stability of fibre
through physical and chemical changes. It is found that the temperature below
180°C marginally affects fibre properties, whereas temperature at 180°C
significantly decreases tensile strength and degree of polymerization.

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